Australian Democrats call for better superannuation for ex-military personnel
As a former serving member of the Australian Defence Forces and RSL member, the Australian Democrats’ candidate for Wakefield, Darren Hassan, is campaigning for better superannuation for those who have served our country.
Mr Hassan says he regards the current military superannuation schemes as unfair and discriminatory.
“Our superannuation is continually reduced by inflation – it does not keep up with the cost of living and has not done so for years.
“In the twenty year period up to and including 2008, the age pension went up 110% and MPs’ super by 131%, while for the military it was a meagre 68%.
“This is not good enough. We have a special obligation to veterans and to all defence personnel who served the nation in conflict and in peacetime. We must end the discrimination against them and their families. To not act on this is a blatant slap in the face to those men and women.”
“No action means that some retired military personnel are, with their partners, living on only $26,000 per year, which is below the poverty line. By contrast, a recent 3.5% payrise for politicians means that the base salary of Canberra’s MLAs is now just over $118,000 a year.
“I cannot see any reason why those who have served should be treated so shabbily, especially considering the dangers some of them have faced.
“I want military superannuation pensions to be indexed to Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is greater.
“I am proud that my party adopted this policy position before the 2007 Federal Election and continues to promote it,” said Mr Hassan.
Further comment: Darren Hassan ph. 04 3335 3760
Recent Comments